Walk 'n' Roll to School in the Tri Valley

On October 1st, the cities of Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton and San Ramon kick off the third annual Walk 'n' Roll to School campaign to promote walking and biking to school, encourage youth health and exercise, and reduce traffic congestion and traffic-related air pollution around schools.

The program is sponsored by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and coordinated by the Tri-Valley Air Quality Resource Team in cooperation with the Safe Routes to School Program through TransForm.

"The goal of the Walk 'n' Roll to School program is for parents and students to adopt these practices on a more permanent basis, as it promotes healthy activities and reduces the amount of traffic around the schools," said Erin Steffen, administrative analyst with the City of Dublin.

"Car congestion around schools puts a concentrated amount of air pollution around children first thing in the morning," said Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the Air District. "Programs like the Walk 'n' Roll to School are a great way to help children build healthy habits that can last a lifetime and encourage their parents to rethink their own commuting habits."

Four elementary schools in the Tri-Valley will participate in the month-long program, which is highlighted during International Walk to School Week, Oct. 4-8. Specific event dates are listed below.  The four Tri-Valley schools participating in the program include:

• Murray Elementary, 8435 Davona Drive, Dublin – Wednesday, Oct. 6 from 8:00 – 8:30 a.m.
• Neil Armstrong Elementary, 2849 Calais Drive, San Ramon – Wednesday, Oct. 6 from 8:40 – 9:15 a.m.
• Valley View Elementary, 480 Adams Way, Pleasanton – Thursday, Oct. 7 from 7:45 – 8:15 a.m.
• Junction Avenue K-8 School, 298 Junction Avenue, Livermore – Wednesday, Oct. 6 from 7:55 – 8:25 a.m.

Participating students will track the number of days they bike or walk to school rather than being driven. Throughout the month, they will be rewarded with surprise treats and giveaways. Additionally, prizes will be awarded at the end of the campaign, courtesy of local businesses including Dublin Cyclery, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Earl Anthony's Dublin Bowl, Livermore Cyclery, World of Shoes, Viva Yogurt, Cooleykatz Toys, Cinema West, Yogurtland and Valley Rock Climbing Gym.

"This program allows parents to spend time with their children and experience the benefits that walking to school provides," said Lisa Adamos, economic development specialist with the City of Pleasanton. 

"Classmates, friends and family embarking on this fun program together instill a sense of pride. Ideally, it will create momentum that will last throughout the school year," added Darlene Amaral, transportation analyst with the City of San Ramon.